Revolutionizing Home and Commercial Cleaning with Aqueous Ozone Solutions that are hypoallergenic & eco-friendly
QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 November 2024– OZONO, the eco-conscious brand spearheading the movement towards chemical-free cleaning solutions, is thrilled to announce its official launch in Australia. Established in 2021 in Singapore, OZONO aims to transform the cleaning industry by offering a chemical-free cleaning device.
OZONO OZPro is the chemical-free cleaning device that is perfect for cleaning and sanitizing your home, laundry, baby’s toys and clothes, furbabies beddings and home surfaces without leaving any harmful residues. It generates Aqueous Ozone, using air and electricity, to clean, sanitize and remove odours.
At the heart of OZONO is its innovative aqueous ozone technology. This system converts ordinary tap water into aqueous ozone—a naturally occurring oxidant—using electricity. The result is a powerful, chemical-free cleaning solution that kills micro-organisms up to 3000 times faster and up to 200 times more effectively than chlorine bleach, without leaving behind any harmful residues. After use, the aqueous ozone reverts back to water and oxygen, resulting in zero pollution to water systems and ensuring no harmful chemicals enter the environment.
The Hidden Health Risks of Traditional Detergents
While conventional detergents may seem effective, they can pose significant risks to health, especially for young children. Many detergents contain harsh chemicals such as phosphates, synthetic surfactants, and artificial fragrances. These substances can trigger allergic reactions, skin irritations, and more serious conditions like atopic dermatitis. According to a study published by HCPLive, exposure to laundry detergents has been linked to an increase in atopic conditions, including eczema, consistent asthma, and allergic rhinitis, particularly in children.
Further studies from the Cleveland Clinic indicate that many detergents are common culprits behind skin rashes in children, with the chemicals in these products disrupting the skin barrier and causing skin irritation. Children, who often have more sensitive skin than adults, are particularly vulnerable to these adverse effects. The harmful residues left behind on clothing and linens after washing can come into direct contact with their skin, potentially leading to long-term dermatological issues.
OZONO’s aqueous ozone technology offers a solution to these health concerns. Free from harmful chemicals, it provides a safe and effective way to clean, making it ideal for households with young children, individuals with sensitive skin, or those prone to allergies.
Environmental Impacts of Detergents and Detergent Pods
Detergent pods, marketed for their convenience, are another significant contributor to environmental degradation. Encased in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), a water-soluble plastic, these pods may dissolve, but studies show that up to 75% of PVA from detergent pods does not fully biodegrade. According to a 2021 study by Arizona State University, PVA can persist in the environment, contributing to microplastic pollution that endangers marine life and may enter the food chain, posing risks to both wildlife and humans.
As noted by Euronews Green in 2024, detergent pods are a major source of microplastic pollution, as the PVA residue lingers in water systems. In addition to contributing to plastic waste, the chemicals inside these pods degrade water quality, threatening biodiversity and aquatic ecosystems.
Its flagship device, OZONO OZPro is a groundbreaking device that replaces traditional laundry detergents, fabric softeners, sanitizers, and washing machine cleaners using innovative aqueous ozone technology. The system harnesses air and electricity to generate ozone, a natural oxidant, which dissolves in water to clean, sanitize and remove odour without the need for harsh chemicals. Ozone is highly effective, killing microorganisms up to 200 times more effectively than chlorine and leaving no harmful residue as it reverts to oxygen.
Compared to traditional detergents, which rely on petrochemical surfactants and hot water to remove dirt and bacteria, OZONO OZPro offers a gentler, eco-friendly approach. OZONO uses cold water only – this preserves fabric quality by removing the need for hot water and preventing microfibre shedding, which often results from repeated washing with conventional chemicals. This not only extends the life of your clothes but also reduces energy consumption for hot water.
“We’re excited to bring OZONO to Australia,” said Mr Lee of OZONO. “Our mission is not only to deliver a more effective way to clean but also to offer a solution that’s safe for both families and the environment. Detergent pods and traditional cleaners may seem convenient, but they’re contributing to long-term harm. With OZONO, we can clean smarter—without sacrificing health or sustainability.”
With OZONO, consumers can now reduce their reliance on harmful chemicals and plastics, making everyday cleaning safer for both people and the planet. Additionally, OZONO currently offers a 30-day money-back trial, which you can learn more about here, and offers Afterpay for flexible payment options
For more information, visit OZONO’s Website. Make the switch to a cleaner, greener future—and protect your home, your family, and the earth.
For more information, visit OZONO’s Website. Hashtag: #ozono #Singapore #Australia #AqueousOzone #SustainableCleaning #Sustainability #EcoTech #HealthierHome #GreenCleaningSolutions #SustainableLiving #ChemicalFreeLiving #SustainableAustralia #OzPro
Enjoy up to 10% rebate and chance to win business class round trip to Tokyo on Citibank Global Wallet forex spending with Citibank debit card
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 November 2024 – From now until December 31, 2024, selected Citibank customers* are entitled to Citibank Debit Mastercard® Triple Rewards[1] upon successful registration. Customers can earn up to a 10% cash rebate and a chance to win a pair of business class round trip tickets to Tokyo with each eligible Citibank Global Wallet foreign currency spending. Let’s start making the most of the upcoming travel season and festivities with Citi!
Reward 1: Up to HK$750 off on Cathay Pacific flight tickets
Book your flight with Citibank Debit Mastercard® via the Cathay Pacific site (www.cathaypacific.com) and apply the following codes for instant discounts:
Long-haul flights HK$750 discount: CXCITI750
Short-haul flights HK$250 discount: CXCITI250
Reward 2: Up to 10% rebate on eligible foreign currency spending**
Enjoy up to HK$1,900 cash rebate with eligible Citibank Global Wallet foreign currency spending.
10% rebate per transaction of HK$1,000 or above
6% rebate per transaction of HK$600-HK$999
3% rebate per transaction below HK$600
Reward 3: Lucky draw for flight tickets**
Each eligible Citibank Global Wallet foreign currency spending will be rewarded with a lucky draw entry. You may earn up to 10 entries to win a pair of Cathay Pacific business class round trip tickets to Tokyo (Narita).
For more information about “Citibank Debit Mastercard® Triple Rewards,” please visit: citibank.hk/globalwallet
* This promotion is only applicable to Citibank Debit Mastercard® customers. Please contact us to apply. ** Citibank Global Wallet needs to be activated before making a transaction.
[1] Quotas apply on a first-come-first-served basis. For terms and conditions, please visit: citibank.hk/24q4cgw
Hashtag: #Citibank
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Citibank Global Wallet
Citibank Global Wallet is a key Citibank Debit Mastercard® feature that allows customers to exchange foreign currencies at prevailing rates or pre-set their targeted rates before withdrawing cash or paying from their foreign currency account while overseas without any handling fees from Citi.
Supporting 12 currencies, Citibank Global Wallet is equipped with Hong Kong’s first “Auto FX Top-up” function that tops up the Wallet when it runs low by automatically buying the outstanding amount of foreign currency at Citi’s prevailing exchange rate from the customer’s Hong Kong Dollar account. Citibank Global Wallet and the “Auto FX Top-up” feature can be activated through Citi Mobile® App.
In addition, Citibank Debit Mastercard® now offers a daily spending limit of up to HK$300,000 (depending on the debit card tier), allowing customers to shop to their heart’s content while on the go. Customers also have the flexibility to adjust the limit and card settings according to their personal preferences through Citi Mobile® App. For more information, please visit: citibank.hk/globalwallet
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 November 2024 – Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited, a global sustainable chemicals company, celebrated the success of the Waste Fiction Challenge, a pioneering initiative that rallied young people from over 90 countries to envision zero-waste schools by 2030.
Mrs. Suchitra Lohia
The Waste Fiction Challenge is a global competition designed to engage youth in crafting imaginative stories of a sustainable future, focusing on zero-waste practices and circular economy solutions. By fostering storytelling skills, the competition empowers students to translate creative concepts into actionable plans, encouraging environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
The competition received more than 345 essay submissions from participants aged 12-35, representing multiple languages and diverse regions. Contestants submitted storyboards and 1,000-word essays centered on creating zero-waste schools, the fundamentals of recycling, and principles of the circular economy. Essays were inspired by the lessons and resources from Waste Hero Education—an initiative supported by Indorama Ventures and Yunus Foundation (Thailand)—which provided participants with comprehensive materials on zero-waste and circular economy practices to enrich their understanding and stimulate creativity.
In collaboration with strategic partners Yunus Thailand, SDSN Youth, Local Pathways Network, 3ZERO CLUB, SEAMEO SEPS & INNOTECH, and AIESEC, Indorama Ventures offered participants mentorship, resources, and guidance to transform their visions into viable solutions with a lasting impact. This initiative brought together a broad coalition of stakeholders, including local organizations, youth groups, and ministries of education, to promote a global sustainability movement among youth, educators, and communities.
Mrs. Suchitra Lohia, Deputy Group CEO and Chairperson of the CSR Committee at Indorama Ventures, said, “As a world-leading PET producer and recycler, Indorama Ventures recognizes our responsibility to advance a circular economy by supporting initiatives that inspire real-world waste reduction and recycling solutions. The Waste Fiction Challenge is an invaluable platform that aligns with our Waste Hero goal of providing recycling education to one million people by 2030. It empowers young people to become change agents, driving innovative sustainable practices that enhance PET collection and recycling – closing the loop and ensuring a continuous supply of recycled materials. By empowering young people as sustainability champions, we strengthen our commitment to advancing recycling education and creating a meaningful impact in communities worldwide.”
Callum Mackenzie, Managing Director at Yunus Foundation (Thailand) added, “Every transformative action starts with a dream. If we don’t imagine, it will never happen. Waste Fiction sparks the creative power in young people, daring them to imagine a future without waste. This empowers them to then take action and become the future green leaders we so desperately need. We are immensely proud to see young people from around the world participating in the Waste Fiction Challenge and grateful to our partners for helping mobilize a global movement of youth. We look forward to witnessing the remarkable impact these future leaders will achieve.”
A panel of experts assessed submissions on creativity, impact, and feasibility, and selected 13 finalists from Thailand, Pakistan, Qatar, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Brunei, Bangladesh, India, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Mexico. The finalists will participate in a zero-waste leadership training program, which includes mentoring to help refine their ideas into actionable solutions that support global waste reduction goals. On completing the program, the finalists will become Waste Hero Ambassadors, dedicated to establishing 3ZERO Clubs in schools and communities worldwide. Through these clubs, young leaders will be mobilized to lead zero-waste initiatives, furthering the mission of Waste Hero Education and advancing a global network committed to sustainability.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Indorama Ventures
Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited, listed in Thailand (Bloomberg ticker IVL.TB), is one of the world’s leading chemicals producers, with a global manufacturing footprint across Europe, Africa, Americas, and Asia Pacific. The company’s portfolio comprises Combined PET, Fibers, and Indovinya (formerly Integrated Oxides and Derivatives). Indorama Ventures’ products serve major FMCG, agricultural, lifestyle, and automotive sectors, including beverages, hygiene, personal care, tire, and safety segments. Indorama Ventures has about 26,000 employees worldwide and reported revenue of US$15.6 billion in 2023. The company is listed in the Dow Jones Emerging Markets and World Sustainability Indices (DJSI).
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 November 2024–ViewQwest has partnered with Lightspeed Technologies, an enterprise solution provider and leading email security expert, to unveil the ViewQwest SecurEmail Gateway at GovWare 2024, held from 15 to 17 October. This new solution offers businesses a quick and seamless way to secure their email systems, bolstering protection against email-based threats and vulnerabilities.
The cloud-based SecurEmail Gateway aligns with best practices from the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore’s (CSA) Internet Hygiene Portal (IHP) for email and domain security. By adopting the SecurEmail Gateway, businesses can achieve a perfect score of 100 in the IHP’s comprehensive online security assessment.
The Need for Email Security
While messaging apps and cloud-based tools are on the rise, email remains central to business communications, enabling seamless collaboration and information sharing. However, email protocols were developed long before cybersecurity became a priority, leaving email susceptible to threats such as spoofing and phishing.
One critical vulnerability stems from the original email protocol’s lack of verification and encryption features. Just as a letter with a fake return address could deceive, email in its raw form allows bad actors to impersonate trusted contacts and exploit user trust through social engineering.
Understanding CSA Best Practices
Over time, several email security protocols have emerged to address these vulnerabilities. However, consistently deploying these protocols can be complex and resource-intensive, leaving many organizations without optimal email security.
Protocols such as DKIM add digital signatures to verify email integrity during transit. SPF limits the servers authorized to send emails on behalf of a domain, preventing spoofing, while DANE validates server authenticity to prevent man-in-the-middle attacks.
Even major providers like Office 365 and Google Workspace may not have the most optimal security settings enabled. The same challenge applies to many telecommunication providers due to the balancing act between user convenience and comprehensive security measures or a lack of awareness by customers.
To raise awareness and promote robust email security, the CSA has introduced a comprehensive checklist for best practices and an online assessment tool for businesses to gauge the security status of their email systems.
One-Step Solution for Enhanced Email Security
ViewQwest’s SecurEmail Gateway offers a streamlined, cost-effective way for businesses to strengthen email security without overhauling their current systems. Available as a SaaS solution, it integrates easily with major platforms like Google Workspace, Office 365, Microsoft Exchange, and custom email servers.
Through simply configuring their existing email server to work with the SecurEmail Gateway, businesses can instantly enhance email security to meet and exceed CSA recommendations. This solution ensures adherence to CSA best practices and strengthens the organization’s email security posture.
While there is no absolute guarantee against spoofing and attacks, adhering to CSA guidelines can significantly mitigate risks and strengthen an organisation’s overall email security posture. With ViewQwest SecurEmail Gateway, organizations can achieve full compliance with CSA guidelines in just one-step.
Learn more about the ViewQwest SecurEmail Gateway [here].
Check your current email provider’s security status using CSA’s assessment tool [here].
Hashtag: #ViewQwest
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About ViewQwest
ViewQwest is an award-winning Telecommunications and Managed Security Services Provider driven by a vision to make the world a better place, powered by a safer, better internet. Founded and headquartered in Singapore since 2001, it has expanded operations and market coverage in Malaysia, the Philippines, Hong Kong, and other countries in North and Southeast Asia.
ViewQwest builds and manages high-performing network and security infrastructure for the digital enterprise, securely connecting corporate sites and workforces wherever they are needed. It is a trusted partner of global and regional multinational corporations (MNCs) and top companies across Asia, delivering fit-for-purpose connectivity and security to power their digital future. ViewQwest also provides market-leading Residential and SME broadband connectivity and cybersecurity services in Singapore and Malaysia.
ViewQwest received the 2024 Network and Security integration of the Year Award – Singapore, and in 2023, was named Singapore Broadband Telecom Provider of the Year at the Asia Telecom Awards for its service innovation and excellence in network and security.
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 November 2024 – In Japan, known for its world-leading water technology, there is a rapidly growing service. This is the cloud-based mapping service, Tenchijin COMPASS KnoWaterleak provided by Tenchijin, Inc., a space venture certified by the Japanese national air and space agency JAXA, supporting efficient leak detection. Since its launch in 2023, the service has been adopted by many municipalities, including the capital city of Tokyo, and within a year and a half, the total number of contracted municipalities has surpassed 20. Tenchijin has established an office in Malaysia as its base in Asia and is actively working on expanding partnerships and securing new contracts.
Like many Southeast Asian countries, Japan’s water maintenance system is currently facing serious challenges, including aging infrastructure, the impact of climate change. To address the growing issues in the field of leak detection, which continue to worsen due to these factors, Tenchijin, Inc. has developed Tenchijin COMPASS KnoWaterleak, utilizing data, information, and technology to provide solutions.
Tenchijin’s Technological Prowess Recognized by Japanese national air and space agency
Tenchijin, Inc. is a startup founded by engineers who led the development of satellites at the forefront of Japanese national air and space agency, JAXA, for 20 years. Tenchijin has been officially recognized as a JAXA Venture conducting business utilizing JAXA’s intellectual property and the expertise gained through JAXA’s projects. The company has won approximately 20 awards in Japan and abroad, and as of 2024, its business is rapidly expanding.
Tenchijin’s Expansion into Malaysia: From Cyberjaya Office to the Whole of Southeast Asia
Tenchijin has established an office in Cyberjaya, Malaysia’s technology hub. We are actively expanding our business, including meetings with the Malaysian Investment Development Authority, and plan to scale Japan’s cutting-edge technology across all of Southeast Asia, with Malaysia serving as the regional base.
Tenchijin COMPASS KnoWaterleak is a cloud-based mapping service that leverages satellite data and AI technology to support water utilities in improving the efficiency of their leak detection processes. It combines data from multiple satellites, open data, and digitized water supply ledgers and distribution pipe maps to analyze and pinpoint areas with high leakage risks within 100-meter blocks. With an intuitive and easy-to-use interface, it allows for centralized management of leak risk and on-site verification results. Users can quickly check data in real-time, supporting fast leak detection and repair planning.
By routinely registering and managing leakage locations within this system, AI can re-evaluate leakage risks based on the accumulated data, leading to improved accuracy. Through PoC with the Japanese government in 2022 and feedback from municipalities using the system, the service is expected to reduce inspection costs by up to 65% and survey time by up to 85%.
Tenchijin’s technology has been recognized for its high level of expertise and low implementation barriers, earning the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare Prize in the “7th Infrastructure Maintenance Awards” organized by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, and Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. Thanks to its reliability, the system is rapidly being adopted by municipalities across Japan.
Celebrates Excellence in Luxury, Service, and World-Class Hospitality
MACAU SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 November 2024 –This golden autumn season marks another triumphant chapter for Galaxy Macau™ Integrated Resort (“Galaxy Macau”), as its exceptional dining, hotel, and spa offerings have earned a series of prestigious awards. These honors reflect the discerning preferences of global travelers, further solidifying Galaxy Macau’s position as the “Most Spectacular Entertainment and Leisure Destination in the world”, while reinforcing Macau’s stature as the “World Centre of Tourism and Leisure”.
Galaxy Macau announced its exceptional dining, hotel, and spa offerings have earned a series of prestigious awards. These honors reflect the discerning preferences of global travelers.
Renowned Starred Restaurants At the recent “Trip.Gourmet Global Rebrand Launch and Trip.Best Gourmet Awards Ceremony” in Macau, two of Galaxy Macau’s iconic restaurants were celebrated for their culinary excellence. The Sichuan-Hunan restaurant Feng Wei Ju at StarWorld Hotel, which has earned two Michelin stars for eight consecutive years, and Italian restaurant 8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA, which has proudly retained its Michelin one-star rating for nine consecutive years, were both honored with the prestigious “Platinum Restaurant” title in the 2024 Global Selection of Restaurants for Greater China. Voted on by users of Trip.com worldwide, this award is a highly respected dining guide that underscores these restaurants’ unwavering commitment to gastronomic excellence.
Italian restaurant 8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA, which has proudly retained its Michelin one-star rating for nine consecutive years, was honored with the prestigious “Platinum Restaurant” title in the 2024 Global Selection of Restaurants for Greater China.
Top-tier Luxury Hotels Raffles at Galaxy Macau has been recognized on DestinAsian’s Luxe List 2024, distinguishing it as one of only three luxury hotels in Greater China to receive this accolade. DestinAsian, a leading travel and lifestyle magazine in the Asia-Pacific region, highlights the most innovative, stylish, and luxurious new or recently refurbished accommodations through its Luxe List.
The Sichuan-Hunan restaurant Feng Wei Ju at StarWorld Hotel, which has earned two Michelin stars for eight consecutive years, was honored with the prestigious “Platinum Restaurant” title in the 2024 Global Selection of Restaurants for Greater China.
This year also saw the return of Condé Nast Traveler’s esteemed “Readers’ Choice” awards, where travelers were invited to vote for their favorite hotels and airlines based on personal experiences. Among the 19,392 valid responses, JW Marriott Hotel Macau and The Ritz-Carlton, Macau both emerged as “Best Hotels”, lauded for their impeccable quality and personalized service. Since 1988, Condé Nast Traveler’s “Readers’ Choice” has been regarded as the industry’s “gold standard”, representing an authentic seal of excellence.
Banyan Tree Spa Macau was once again named “Macau’s Best Resort Spa” at the World Spa Awards for the seventh consecutive year and garnered accolades for the third consecutive year at the SpaChina 2024 China Wellness & Spa Awards.
Excellence in Spa Experiences Galaxy Macau is home to the most luxurious and extensive spa facilities in Macau, offering guests transformative sensory experiences. Banyan Tree Spa Macau, which has consistently earned five-star ratings from the Forbes Travel Guide, was once again named “Macau’s Best Resort Spa” at the World Spa Awards for the seventh consecutive year, a testament to its unparalleled prestige within the global spa industry. The World Spa Awards aim to inspire excellence by connecting spa enthusiasts with the world’s top spa and wellness destinations.
At the SpaChina 2024 China Wellness & Spa Awards, Banyan Tree Spa Macau garnered accolades for the third consecutive year, winning “Urban Wellness Oasis of the Year” for its unique treatments that refresh both body and soul. The Ritz-Carlton Spa Macau, celebrating a decade of recognition from SpaChina, was awarded “Eco-friendly Green Treatment of the Year” for its innovative “Nespresso Ultimate Spa Journey”, which combines indulgent luxury with a commitment to sustainability.
A Tradition of Excellence Galaxy Macau takes immense pride in its exceptional performance across dining, hospitality, and spa services. These accolades not only affirm the team’s unwavering commitment to delivering unforgettable guest experiences but also reflect travelers’ recognition of the resort’s world-class service. Upholding its guiding philosophy of “World Class Asian Heart”, Galaxy Macau looks forward to welcoming travelers from around the globe to experience its luxurious charm and unparalleled service. Hashtag: #GalaxyMacau
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
ABOUT GALAXY MACAU INTEGRATED RESORT
Galaxy Macau™, The World-class Luxury Integrated Resort delivers the “Most Spectacular Entertainment and Leisure Destination in the World”. Developed at an investment of HK$43 billion, the property covers 1.1 million-square-meter of unique entertainment and leisure attractions that are unlike anything else in Macau. Eight award-winning world-class luxury hotels provide close to 5,000 rooms, suites and villas. They include Banyan Tree Macau, Galaxy Hotel™, Hotel Okura Macau, JW Marriott Hotel Macau, The Ritz-Carlton, Macau, Broadway Hotel, Raffles at Galaxy Macau, Andaz Macau. Unique to Galaxy Macau, the 75,000-square-meter Grand Resort Deck features the world’s longest Skytop Adventure Rapids at 575-meters, the largest Skytop Wave Pool with waves up to 1.5-meters high and 150-meters pristine white sand beach. Two five-star spas from Banyan Tree Spa Macau and The Ritz- Carlton Spa, Macau help guests relax and rejuvenate.
As the dining destination in Asia, Galaxy Macau offers a wide variety of gastronomic delights, exquisite experiences and ingredients of the finest quality with over 120 dining options from Michelin dining to authentic delicacies.
Embark on a delightful and rewarding journey at Galaxy Promenade, the one-stop shopping destination boasting some of the world’s most iconic luxury brands. Be the first to get the latest limited-edition items; explore fascinating pop-ups by coveted labels and revel in fabulous shopping rewards and privileges. Our VIPs are entitled to a highly-curated experience with dedicated personal shoppers at guests’ service, and be invited to exclusive luxury brand events. A different caliber of privileges and rewards also await. Discover the joys of fashion and stand at the forefront of style and sophistication—Galaxy Promenade has everything guests need to stay ahead of the style game.
Galaxy Cinemas takes immersive movie experiences to the next level with the latest audio-visual technology, ultra-luxurious facilities and bespoke services; CHINA ROUGE, one-of-a-kind deluxe lounge that evokes the glitz and glamor of Shanghai’s golden era with entertainment in luxury and style; and Foot Hub presents the traditional art of reflexology to make you feel more relaxed and revitalized. For Authentic Macau Flavors & Vibrant Asian Experiences, Broadway Macau – just a 90-second walk via a bridge from Galaxy Macau, has over 35 Authentic Macau & Asian Flavors at its Broadway Food Street. The 2,500-seat Broadway Theatre plays host to world-class entertainers and a diverse array of cultural events.
Meeting, incentive and banquet groups are also well looked after with a portfolio of unique venues in Galaxy Macau and a professional service staff. Galaxy International Convention Center (GICC) is the latest addition to the Group’s ever-expanding integrated resort precinct and will usher in a new era for the MICE industry in Macau. GICC is a world- class event venue featuring 40,000-square-meter of total flexible MICE, and a 16,000-seat Galaxy Arena – the largest indoor arena in Macau.
International Forum for sustainable development gathered political and commercial leaders
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 November 2024 – To celebrate its 35th Anniversary, Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency (HKQAA) held the 35th Anniversary Forum cum Celebration Ceremony at Ballroom, Level 3, JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong. The Forum in the morning session was officiated by Mr Christopher Hui, GBS, JP, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region as the officiating guest, and the celebration ceremony in the afternoon session was officiated by Ms Lillian Cheong, JP, Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Mr Ban Ki-moon, former Secretary-General of the United Nations supported the Forum by becoming the featured keynote speaker.
More than 800 senior executives joined the HKQAA 35th Anniversary Forum cum Celebration Ceremony. The Forum invited local and overseas political and business leaders, experts and academics to share their experiences and insights on sustainable finance, ESG and climate resilience strategies.
35 Years of Innovative Advancements, Shaping a Green and Low-carbon Future
“Over the past 35 years, the HKQAA has been a steadfast partner, providing critical quality assurance and helping to uphold rigorous standards for green and sustainable finance. Since the launch of the Government Green Bond Programme in 2019, the HKQAA has played a pivotal role by providing external reviews for each bond issuance, ensuring the credibility and integrity of these instruments. In addition, the HKQAA has introduced a number of certification schemes, further enhancing stakeholder confidence in green finance products. Their dedication to upholding high standards has been instrumental in positioning Hong Kong as a global leader in this space. Looking ahead, we will continue to count on the HKQAA’s expertise as we strive to meet the evolving challenges of sustainable development,” said Mr Christopher Hui, GBS, JP, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury in his opening remarks.
Ir C. S. Ho, Chairman of the HKQAA, said, “Looking ahead, HKQAA will remain committed to continuously innovating while rooting ourselves firmly in Hong Kong, serving the community, contributing to the nation, and bridging to the world. We will work hand in hand with various sectors to shape a green and sustainable future.”
Former UN Secretary-General called for collaborative effort on climate resilience
Sustainable development has become a global topic of concern, receiving significant attention from both the business and financial sectors. Mr Ban Ki-moon, former Secretary-General of the United Nations, who played a crucial role in the ratification of the Paris Agreement on climate change and launched the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals during his tenure, supported the HKQAA 35th Anniversary Forum by becoming the featured keynote speaker. He said in his speech via video, “I’m pleased to address globally-engaged HKQAA Forum participants at a time of great importance for empowering the private and public sectors to accelerate action on the UN climate and sustainable development goals through cooperation and partnership.” Mr Ban remarked that now more than ever, we need global solutions underpinned with cooperation and solidarity to empower the leaders and global citizens of both today and tomorrow to rise to the occasion and ensure a sustainable and resilient future.
The Forum invited local and overseas political and business leaders, experts and academics to share their experiences and insights on sustainable finance, ESG and climate resilience strategies. The league of prominent speakers included Mr Sheng Liurong, Chief Financial Officer, China Construction Bank Corporation; Mr Huang Jixian, Executive Vice President and Secretary General of China Certification & Accreditation Association; Dr Leng Bing, Member of International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB); Ms Ma Wei, Deputy Secretary-General, Director of International Cooperation Department, China General Chamber of Commerce; Mr Michael Wen, Executive Vice President of Cathay United Bank; and Dr Nigel Croft, Chair of ISO Joint Technical Coordination Group for Management System Standards (2020 – 2023) and Member of ISO Strategic Advisory Group on ESG (2021 – 2023).
The event attracted more than 800 senior executives from government departments, regulatory organisations, Chinese and foreign banking and financial institutions, business associations, academic institutions and green groups.
Establishing strategic partnership to promote high-quality economic development in Fujian and Hong Kong
A memorandum of understanding was signed at the Forum by Mr P C Chan, Chief Executive Officer of HKQAA, and Ms Liu Zhengying, Member of Party Leadership Group of Fujian Provincial Administration for Market Regulation (Intellectual Property Office) and Director-General of Fujian Provincial Intellectual Property Development and Protection Centre. This memorandum aims to deepen cooperation in areas including intellectual property, carbon footprint, ESG, sustainable development and conformity assessment, so as to support enterprises going overseas, foster collaboration, and promote high-quality economic development in Fujian and Hong Kong.
Recognising units, enterprises and financial institutions that promote sustainable development
The presentation ceremony of the “Hong Kong Green and Sustainable Finance Awards 2024” was held on the event. The Awards aims to encourage organisations to promote green and sustainable finance, carbon neutrality, climate risk disclosure and ESG disclosure for the sustainable development of businesses and society, and recognise their efforts and contributions. This year, more than 70 units, corporate, banks and financial service institutions from Hong Kong, Mainland China and overseas were awarded. Three Mainland local governments, namely, Department of Finance of Guangdong Province, Department of Finance of Hainan Province and Shenzhen Finance Bureau, were recognised for the “Outstanding Award for Green and Sustainable Bond Issuer”.
Connecting the ESG ecosystem, sharing practical experiences
As the pioneer in promoting social responsibility culture, HKQAA launched the “ESG Connect Program” to encourage different types of organisations to build an ESG ecosystem together. This initiative encourages participants to harness their strengths to contribute to the sustainable development of both the industry and the community, and provides support to social enterprises and startups.
Representatives of the Mentor Organisations of the HKQAA ESG Connect Program – Mr Joe Lok, Head of Business Training of Beijing Waterdrop Technology Group Co., Ltd.; Mr Cheng Ka Ho, General Manager of Business Development of Lee Kee Group; and Ms Joe Cheung, Senior Converation Advocacy Manager of the Ocean Park Hong Kong – shared and exchanged ESG experiences at the event. There was also a product exhibition on-site with a focus on sustainable development, showcasing products that incorporate sustainability concepts. All exhibitors were organisations participating in the ESG Connect program.
Experience Sharing on Sustainable Finance, ESG and Climate Resilience China Construction Bank (Asia)
As the flagship of CCB Group’s overseas business, China Construction Bank (Asia) (“CCB (Asia)”) holds a variety of licenses and provides a wide array of banking services including retail banking services, commercial banking services, corporate banking services and treasury business etc., along with its industry-leading advantages in RMB services, FinTech, cross-border services and green finance. CCB (Asia) has been contributing to the Hong Kong economic and social development for decades, and is a witness and contributor of the financial industry in Hong Kong.
In response to the national and Hong Kong’s “dual carbon” goals, CCB (Asia) continues to explore ways to enhance its capability for sustainable economic and social development by integrating green concepts into its development strategies, operational management and corporate culture. Leveraging its leading position in infrastructure financing, CCB (Asia) has increased credit lending in areas such as energy conservation and emission reduction, clean energy, clean transportation and pollution prevention. In recent years, CCB (Asia) has provided over HKD70 billion in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) loans and has underwritten green bonds totaling more than HKD19 billion. CCB (Asia) has successfully arranged several landmark ESG loan transactions and received numerous market-recognized sustainable finance awards. CCB (Asia) has a professional green finance team to support corporate clients in achieving sustainable development transformations, striving to become a pioneer and leader in sustainable finance. To fulfill its corporate social responsibilities, a series of ESG-themed activities and seminars focusing on small and medium-sized enterprises were held to promote ESG concepts in youth education and inclusive finance to advocate sustainable development in Hong Kong.
In the face of the historic opportunities arising from the domestic and international “dual circulation” and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, CCB (Asia) will continue to leverage on the strong support from CCB Group and the unique geographical advantage. It will also actively seize development opportunities and create core capabilities to strengthen its international competitiveness and support Hong Kong to further enhance and elevate the status as an international financial center. Riding on its solid foundation, CCB (Asia) will adhere to the purpose of serving the country and benefiting the society, actively serving the national strategy, striving to support five priorities of technology finance, green finance, inclusive finance, pension finance, and digital finance, and promoting the integration of Hong Kong into the overall national development plan.
Cathay United Bank Co., Ltd. Hong Kong Branch
Cathay United Bank (CUB), a subsidiary of Cathay Financial Holdings, a leading financial institution in Taiwan, is the first signatory in Taiwan to the Equator Principles and the first bank in Taiwan to announce its voluntary compliance with the United Nations’ Principles for Responsible Banking. In support of the United Nations’ sustainable development goals, CUB has been actively involving in solar and wind power project financing. The bank aims to reduce credit facility for the coal industry to zero by the first quarter of 2027 and to achieve a green loan balance and a sustainability-linked loan balance of more than NT$100 billion by 2030. In terms of operations, the bank has also committed to using 100% renewable energy across all CUB locations worldwide to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
CUB has long been a proponent of green finance, with the scale of its domestic and overseas credit and the amount of green deposits continuing to grow. This increase reflects the bank’s expertise and dedication to promoting green finance, which has been well-recognized by its corporate customers. CUB’s commitment to green finance is not only reflected in its investment and financing efforts but also in its active engagement works and support for corporations in completing their carbon disclosure. In 2022, CUB took the lead among financial institutions in Asia to join the “Commercial Bank Project” launched by CDP, an international carbon disclosure organization. It became the only non-governmental organization advisory expert to collaborate with CDP for its “SME Corporate Questionnaires” in Asia. This year, CUB also became the first financial institution to launch the innovative product “Sustainability-Linked Payroll” to promote green finance from a fresh perspective.
In 2022, Cathay United Bank Co., Ltd. Hong Kong Branch (CUBHK), one of CUB’s branches, signed a MOU with Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency (HKQAA) to jointly assist its customers in creating suitable ESG financing solutions to accelerate their low-carbon transition. In recent years, CUBHK has helped various customers in Hong Kong and the mainland develop customized sustainability-linked loan products. Hong Kong has now become CUB’s second-largest sustainable loan market.
In 2024, CUBHK was recognized for the third consecutive year at the “Hong Kong Green and Sustainable Finance Awards” organized by HKQAA, winning six green finance-related awards. CUBHK will continue to facilitate customers in their low-carbon transition journey, driving the development of green finance in our society.
BEAM Society Limited
BEAM Society Limited (BSL) is a public and non-profit organisation based in Hong Kong, China. In 2010, BSL launched BEAM Plus, a comprehensive set of green building assessment tools that are highly regarded in the industry. BEAM Plus aims to promote green building practices and then achieve the”dual carbon”goals. Currently 7 BEAM Plus assessment tools are available, with over 2,500 registered projects and 1,800 certified. BSL is also dedicated to building capacity by providing training for green professionals. BSL now has more than 2,000 members and 7,000 BEAM Practitioners qualified to conduct BEAM Plus assessment.
Industrial Bank Hong Kong Branch
Industrial Bank is a pioneer of green finance in China. Relying on the professional green finance advantages of Headquarter, Industrial Bank Hong Kong Branch actively expands green finance business overseas, and builds a window for the world as well as an important platform for green finance development of Industrial Bank Group. By the end of June 2024, the outstanding green finance loans accounted for more than 25% of corporate finance loans of branch, and the number of green and sustainable bonds underwriting covered more than 50% of Chinese corporate issues in Hong Kong, effectively serving the green economic development of Hong Kong and the Belt and Road region.
Zhongyu Energy Holdings Limited
As a leading integrated energy service provider in China, Zhongyu Energy is committed to promoting sustainable development in the energy sector. The company regards the safety red line as its lifeline, continuously increasing investment in safe operations, improving the quality of safety personnel, and accelerating the pace of digital upgrades in project operations, achieving zero production safety accidents for consecutive years. At the same time, the company continuously improves its ESG system construction, flexibly setting ESG topics and commitment indicators based on market changes, effectively enhancing its international ESG rating, and continuously participating in green finance cooperation to contribute to sustainable social development.
Hashtag: #HKQAA
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
International Forum for sustainable development gathered political and commercial leaders
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 November 2024 – To celebrate its 35th Anniversary, Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency (HKQAA) held the 35th Anniversary Forum cum Celebration Ceremony at Ballroom, Level 3, JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong. The Forum in the morning session was officiated by Mr Christopher Hui, GBS, JP, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region as the officiating guest, and the celebration ceremony in the afternoon session was officiated by Ms Lillian Cheong, JP, Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Mr Ban Ki-moon, former Secretary-General of the United Nations supported the Forum by becoming the featured keynote speaker.
More than 800 senior executives joined the HKQAA 35th Anniversary Forum cum Celebration Ceremony. The Forum invited local and overseas political and business leaders, experts and academics to share their experiences and insights on sustainable finance, ESG and climate resilience strategies.
35 Years of Innovative Advancements, Shaping a Green and Low-carbon Future
“Over the past 35 years, the HKQAA has been a steadfast partner, providing critical quality assurance and helping to uphold rigorous standards for green and sustainable finance. Since the launch of the Government Green Bond Programme in 2019, the HKQAA has played a pivotal role by providing external reviews for each bond issuance, ensuring the credibility and integrity of these instruments. In addition, the HKQAA has introduced a number of certification schemes, further enhancing stakeholder confidence in green finance products. Their dedication to upholding high standards has been instrumental in positioning Hong Kong as a global leader in this space. Looking ahead, we will continue to count on the HKQAA’s expertise as we strive to meet the evolving challenges of sustainable development,” said Mr Christopher Hui, GBS, JP, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury in his opening remarks.
Ir C. S. Ho, Chairman of the HKQAA, said, “Looking ahead, HKQAA will remain committed to continuously innovating while rooting ourselves firmly in Hong Kong, serving the community, contributing to the nation, and bridging to the world. We will work hand in hand with various sectors to shape a green and sustainable future.”
Former UN Secretary-General called for collaborative effort on climate resilience
Sustainable development has become a global topic of concern, receiving significant attention from both the business and financial sectors. Mr Ban Ki-moon, former Secretary-General of the United Nations, who played a crucial role in the ratification of the Paris Agreement on climate change and launched the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals during his tenure, supported the HKQAA 35th Anniversary Forum by becoming the featured keynote speaker. He said in his speech via video, “I’m pleased to address globally-engaged HKQAA Forum participants at a time of great importance for empowering the private and public sectors to accelerate action on the UN climate and sustainable development goals through cooperation and partnership.” Mr Ban remarked that now more than ever, we need global solutions underpinned with cooperation and solidarity to empower the leaders and global citizens of both today and tomorrow to rise to the occasion and ensure a sustainable and resilient future.
The Forum invited local and overseas political and business leaders, experts and academics to share their experiences and insights on sustainable finance, ESG and climate resilience strategies. The league of prominent speakers included Mr Sheng Liurong, Chief Financial Officer, China Construction Bank Corporation; Mr Huang Jixian, Executive Vice President and Secretary General of China Certification & Accreditation Association; Dr Leng Bing, Member of International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB); Ms Ma Wei, Deputy Secretary-General, Director of International Cooperation Department, China General Chamber of Commerce; Mr Michael Wen, Executive Vice President of Cathay United Bank; and Dr Nigel Croft, Chair of ISO Joint Technical Coordination Group for Management System Standards (2020 – 2023) and Member of ISO Strategic Advisory Group on ESG (2021 – 2023).
The event attracted more than 800 senior executives from government departments, regulatory organisations, Chinese and foreign banking and financial institutions, business associations, academic institutions and green groups.
Establishing strategic partnership to promote high-quality economic development in Fujian and Hong Kong
A memorandum of understanding was signed at the Forum by Mr P C Chan, Chief Executive Officer of HKQAA, and Ms Liu Zhengying, Member of Party Leadership Group of Fujian Provincial Administration for Market Regulation (Intellectual Property Office) and Director-General of Fujian Provincial Intellectual Property Development and Protection Centre. This memorandum aims to deepen cooperation in areas including intellectual property, carbon footprint, ESG, sustainable development and conformity assessment, so as to support enterprises going overseas, foster collaboration, and promote high-quality economic development in Fujian and Hong Kong.
Recognising units, enterprises and financial institutions that promote sustainable development
The presentation ceremony of the “Hong Kong Green and Sustainable Finance Awards 2024” was held on the event. The Awards aims to encourage organisations to promote green and sustainable finance, carbon neutrality, climate risk disclosure and ESG disclosure for the sustainable development of businesses and society, and recognise their efforts and contributions. This year, more than 70 units, corporate, banks and financial service institutions from Hong Kong, Mainland China and overseas were awarded. Three Mainland local governments, namely, Department of Finance of Guangdong Province, Department of Finance of Hainan Province and Shenzhen Finance Bureau, were recognised for the “Outstanding Award for Green and Sustainable Bond Issuer”.
Connecting the ESG ecosystem, sharing practical experiences
As the pioneer in promoting social responsibility culture, HKQAA launched the “ESG Connect Program” to encourage different types of organisations to build an ESG ecosystem together. This initiative encourages participants to harness their strengths to contribute to the sustainable development of both the industry and the community, and provides support to social enterprises and startups.
Representatives of the Mentor Organisations of the HKQAA ESG Connect Program – Mr Joe Lok, Head of Business Training of Beijing Waterdrop Technology Group Co., Ltd.; Mr Cheng Ka Ho, General Manager of Business Development of Lee Kee Group; and Ms Joe Cheung, Senior Converation Advocacy Manager of the Ocean Park Hong Kong – shared and exchanged ESG experiences at the event. There was also a product exhibition on-site with a focus on sustainable development, showcasing products that incorporate sustainability concepts. All exhibitors were organisations participating in the ESG Connect program.
Experience Sharing on Sustainable Finance, ESG and Climate Resilience China Construction Bank (Asia)
As the flagship of CCB Group’s overseas business, China Construction Bank (Asia) (“CCB (Asia)”) holds a variety of licenses and provides a wide array of banking services including retail banking services, commercial banking services, corporate banking services and treasury business etc., along with its industry-leading advantages in RMB services, FinTech, cross-border services and green finance. CCB (Asia) has been contributing to the Hong Kong economic and social development for decades, and is a witness and contributor of the financial industry in Hong Kong.
In response to the national and Hong Kong’s “dual carbon” goals, CCB (Asia) continues to explore ways to enhance its capability for sustainable economic and social development by integrating green concepts into its development strategies, operational management and corporate culture. Leveraging its leading position in infrastructure financing, CCB (Asia) has increased credit lending in areas such as energy conservation and emission reduction, clean energy, clean transportation and pollution prevention. In recent years, CCB (Asia) has provided over HKD70 billion in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) loans and has underwritten green bonds totaling more than HKD19 billion. CCB (Asia) has successfully arranged several landmark ESG loan transactions and received numerous market-recognized sustainable finance awards. CCB (Asia) has a professional green finance team to support corporate clients in achieving sustainable development transformations, striving to become a pioneer and leader in sustainable finance. To fulfill its corporate social responsibilities, a series of ESG-themed activities and seminars focusing on small and medium-sized enterprises were held to promote ESG concepts in youth education and inclusive finance to advocate sustainable development in Hong Kong.
In the face of the historic opportunities arising from the domestic and international “dual circulation” and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, CCB (Asia) will continue to leverage on the strong support from CCB Group and the unique geographical advantage. It will also actively seize development opportunities and create core capabilities to strengthen its international competitiveness and support Hong Kong to further enhance and elevate the status as an international financial center. Riding on its solid foundation, CCB (Asia) will adhere to the purpose of serving the country and benefiting the society, actively serving the national strategy, striving to support five priorities of technology finance, green finance, inclusive finance, pension finance, and digital finance, and promoting the integration of Hong Kong into the overall national development plan.
Cathay United Bank Co., Ltd. Hong Kong Branch
Cathay United Bank (CUB), a subsidiary of Cathay Financial Holdings, a leading financial institution in Taiwan, is the first signatory in Taiwan to the Equator Principles and the first bank in Taiwan to announce its voluntary compliance with the United Nations’ Principles for Responsible Banking. In support of the United Nations’ sustainable development goals, CUB has been actively involving in solar and wind power project financing. The bank aims to reduce credit facility for the coal industry to zero by the first quarter of 2027 and to achieve a green loan balance and a sustainability-linked loan balance of more than NT$100 billion by 2030. In terms of operations, the bank has also committed to using 100% renewable energy across all CUB locations worldwide to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
CUB has long been a proponent of green finance, with the scale of its domestic and overseas credit and the amount of green deposits continuing to grow. This increase reflects the bank’s expertise and dedication to promoting green finance, which has been well-recognized by its corporate customers. CUB’s commitment to green finance is not only reflected in its investment and financing efforts but also in its active engagement works and support for corporations in completing their carbon disclosure. In 2022, CUB took the lead among financial institutions in Asia to join the “Commercial Bank Project” launched by CDP, an international carbon disclosure organization. It became the only non-governmental organization advisory expert to collaborate with CDP for its “SME Corporate Questionnaires” in Asia. This year, CUB also became the first financial institution to launch the innovative product “Sustainability-Linked Payroll” to promote green finance from a fresh perspective.
In 2022, Cathay United Bank Co., Ltd. Hong Kong Branch (CUBHK), one of CUB’s branches, signed a MOU with Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency (HKQAA) to jointly assist its customers in creating suitable ESG financing solutions to accelerate their low-carbon transition. In recent years, CUBHK has helped various customers in Hong Kong and the mainland develop customized sustainability-linked loan products. Hong Kong has now become CUB’s second-largest sustainable loan market.
In 2024, CUBHK was recognized for the third consecutive year at the “Hong Kong Green and Sustainable Finance Awards” organized by HKQAA, winning six green finance-related awards. CUBHK will continue to facilitate customers in their low-carbon transition journey, driving the development of green finance in our society.
BEAM Society Limited
BEAM Society Limited (BSL) is a public and non-profit organisation based in Hong Kong, China. In 2010, BSL launched BEAM Plus, a comprehensive set of green building assessment tools that are highly regarded in the industry. BEAM Plus aims to promote green building practices and then achieve the”dual carbon”goals. Currently 7 BEAM Plus assessment tools are available, with over 2,500 registered projects and 1,800 certified. BSL is also dedicated to building capacity by providing training for green professionals. BSL now has more than 2,000 members and 7,000 BEAM Practitioners qualified to conduct BEAM Plus assessment.
Industrial Bank Hong Kong Branch
Industrial Bank is a pioneer of green finance in China. Relying on the professional green finance advantages of Headquarter, Industrial Bank Hong Kong Branch actively expands green finance business overseas, and builds a window for the world as well as an important platform for green finance development of Industrial Bank Group. By the end of June 2024, the outstanding green finance loans accounted for more than 25% of corporate finance loans of branch, and the number of green and sustainable bonds underwriting covered more than 50% of Chinese corporate issues in Hong Kong, effectively serving the green economic development of Hong Kong and the Belt and Road region.
Zhongyu Energy Holdings Limited
As a leading integrated energy service provider in China, Zhongyu Energy is committed to promoting sustainable development in the energy sector. The company regards the safety red line as its lifeline, continuously increasing investment in safe operations, improving the quality of safety personnel, and accelerating the pace of digital upgrades in project operations, achieving zero production safety accidents for consecutive years. At the same time, the company continuously improves its ESG system construction, flexibly setting ESG topics and commitment indicators based on market changes, effectively enhancing its international ESG rating, and continuously participating in green finance cooperation to contribute to sustainable social development.
Hashtag: #HKQAA
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.